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AIBU?

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AIBU to refuse temporary accommodation for external work to our home?

190 replies

allowaccess · 03/06/2026 08:52

Recently we were informed of exterior work to be done to our home (LA property). Nothing inside the house at all. No access needed to complete any of the external work other than access to the garden which is via a side gate not through the property.

We were instructed that for the duration of the work (no specific timeframe just ‘might be a few weeks’ ) that we would be placed in alternative accommodation that was miles away from where we are now and would cause significant issues for us with school as we have two children one with severe SEN. We also didn’t want to leave the house as it would be overwhelming for him to be away from familiarity for no real reason as it’s external work??

So we refused and set out in writing why. We were told no we have to vacate on a certain day. The only reason given when we pushed was ‘it will be noisy’. I said I’m fine to put up with some noise especially as it will only be between 8 am and-6pm. Again they said we need to vacate on the day and provide keys so they have access ??? They dont need access to inside.

The day has come and gone and we have stayed. My housing officer called on day 2 and said we need to allow access to the house while the work is ongoing. I said no as theres no need the work is external. They have said we need to allow access if needed to the team working. I told them again no the said they may need access to facilities! I said in that case they need to get portaloos if that’s the issue.

I then had an email giving another date to vacate for the work and a different address for temporary accommodation? Again I’ve said no. Can they actually force this or is it unreasonable as it’s not interior work ???

It hasn’t even been that noisy at all??

OP posts:
Happyjoe · 03/06/2026 09:16

Passaggressfedup · 03/06/2026 09:15

Gosh, why do you have to be so difficult? If they need access for whatever reason you don't understand, why are you stopping it?

It's people like you who frustrate everyone and make something that should be straight forward a pain in the ass...just for what.. principles?

Talking about access, not moving out temporarily.

It's exactly that, asking them to move out temporarily, quite a distance away.
Just so they have access to the loo!

Passaggressfedup · 03/06/2026 09:15

Gosh, why do you have to be so difficult? If they need access for whatever reason you don't understand, why are you stopping it?

It's people like you who frustrate everyone and make something that should be straight forward a pain in the ass...just for what.. principles?

Talking about access, not moving out temporarily.

Happyjoe · 03/06/2026 09:15

Next door neighbour who is HA had to move her and her family to temp accommodation while they treated the outside brickwork for damp. Was in a pub B&B for 2 weeks. It wasn't great but they did get all pub meals paid for which softened the blow! Obviously without access to a kitchen, they had to.

I think in this instance I'd say no too. Turfing you out just so they can use the loo - not acceptable. They need to take into account your SEN sweetie too, their needs trump a toilet any day surely?

NowhereToSleep · 03/06/2026 09:08

So basically they want you out so the workmen can use your loo? That would be a hard no from me as well. They can make other arrangements for that.

Joydi · 03/06/2026 09:05

Is there an option of spending the days outside the home in the week but coming back for the evenings? That may be more disruptive for you, I don’t know.

allowaccess · 03/06/2026 09:05

Diggad · 03/06/2026 09:00

What were they planning on using your toilet!! ?

They said access to facilities was needed

OP posts:
allowaccess · 03/06/2026 09:05

ToKittyornottoKitty · 03/06/2026 09:02

You are incorrect, the landlord would need a court order, although it’s not clear in the OP if they have that. And while they don’t own the house, it is their home, so they do have rights

No court order

OP posts:
Ablondiebutagoody · 03/06/2026 09:04

allowaccess · 03/06/2026 09:03

No windows were done 3 years ago in one day and they needed access to inside

So what work are they doing?

allowaccess · 03/06/2026 09:04

GrinchPink · 03/06/2026 09:01

What exterior works are being done, windows by any chance ?

It’s removing and repairing the exterior because of damp issues , replacing guttering and some work to the roof

OP posts:
allowaccess · 03/06/2026 09:03

GrinchPink · 03/06/2026 09:01

What exterior works are being done, windows by any chance ?

No windows were done 3 years ago in one day and they needed access to inside

OP posts:
ToKittyornottoKitty · 03/06/2026 09:02

Cherry8809 · 03/06/2026 08:55

I can understand your frustration and point, but It’s not your house and if they tell you that you need to temporarily leave, you must.

I wonder if it’s to do with the decibels likely being above an expected noise threshold.

You are incorrect, the landlord would need a court order, although it’s not clear in the OP if they have that. And while they don’t own the house, it is their home, so they do have rights

GrinchPink · 03/06/2026 09:01

What exterior works are being done, windows by any chance ?

Diggad · 03/06/2026 09:00

What were they planning on using your toilet!! ?

allowaccess · 03/06/2026 08:58

Cherry8809 · 03/06/2026 08:55

I can understand your frustration and point, but It’s not your house and if they tell you that you need to temporarily leave, you must.

I wonder if it’s to do with the decibels likely being above an expected noise threshold.

I will check the legal limits and then see if there is a way to check as it really hasn’t been that noisy at all?

OP posts:
Cherry8809 · 03/06/2026 08:55

I can understand your frustration and point, but It’s not your house and if they tell you that you need to temporarily leave, you must.

I wonder if it’s to do with the decibels likely being above an expected noise threshold.